The Ayer Affair

AYER – The Ayer Affair has learned the Town of Ayer, led by Town Manager Robert Pontbriand, has retaliated against a citizen by issuing a warrant and sending the police at 6:30 am, 9:30 am, and 11:30 am to issue a summons to the citizen. The crime of the century in Ayer? The crime was failing to obey a dog order, almost seven years after the citizen sued the Town which resulted in a settlement outside of court. The charge comes after the citizen began requesting records via FOIA to uncover alleged rampant fraud and embezzlement at the Ayer Town Hall. This reporter was able to confirm the same citizen paid the Town $400 dollars in licensing fees. After no license was issued, the citizen requested a refund. The Town opted to keep the money and told the citizen to go through small claims court.

BREAKING: Corruption Scandal Unfolds in Small Massachusetts Town

October 14, 2025 – Ayer, Massachusetts

In a shocking turn of events that has left the quiet town of Ayer reeling, fictional officials Town Manager Robert Pontbriand and Town Clerk Susan Copeland are under investigation for allegedly embezzling funds from the town’s dog license payment system, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The alleged scheme, involved rerouting cash payments for dog licenses into an untraceable slush fund reportedly used for personal expenses, including travel, fine dining, and high-end pet accessories.

“The Paper Trail Had Paw Prints”

Suspicion first arose when a local journalist noticed inconsistencies in public budget reports during an annual review of the town’s expenditures. “The numbers just didn’t add up,” said investigative blogger Janine Calhoun. “The town had many registered dogs last year, each with varying licensing fees — but the revenue line did not match the amount collected.”

That discrepancy led to a deeper audit of the Animal Control Office’s records, which ultimately pointed investigators toward Pontbriand and Copeland. According to sources close to the case, the duo allegedly exploited gaps in the town’s paper-based licensing system to siphon off thousands in cash.

One another resident we spoke to said he paid the Town of Ayer $400 dollars for a dog license but no dog license or refund was ever issued. The Town’s response, “see you in smalls claims”.

Community Reaction

Residents expressed outrage and disbelief over the allegations. “We trusted them to run this town with integrity,” said longtime resident Harold Meacham, walking his chocolate lab, Daisy. “And to think they might’ve used our dog license money for sushi dinners in Boston — it’s insulting.”

Others expressed concern about the broader implications. “If this happened with something as small as dog licenses, what else might be going on?” asked community member Maria Delgado, who has called for a special audit of all municipal departments.

Charges and Next Steps

While no formal charges have been filed as of press time, the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office as well as the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ayer Police Department have bee notified.

Still, townspeople are demanding answers — and accountability.

“This is about more than just money,” said local dog groomer Tanya Brooks. “It’s about trust. And right now, trust in Town Hall is at an all-time low.”

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